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At first blush, it seems pretty clear: members of the Royal Family are to remain above the political fray.
But is it always so cut-and-dried? And is it ultimately possible to suss out what the royals may think politically, even if they are trying to keep their views to themselves?
“At the core of the British constitution is the ‘cardinal convention,'” Craig Prescott, a constitutional expert at Bangor University in Wales, said via email.
“This is the constitutional requirement that the Queen always acts on the advice of the government.”
Government is carried out in the name of the Crown, Prescott said, “but … the role of the monarch is a formality.”
“This ensures that political decisions are reached via the political process, meaning that politicians are held to account for the decisions that they make,” he said.
“By extension, this applies to all members of the Royal Family, and … they also are expected to be above day-to-day politics.”
Queen Elizabeth speaks to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson from Windsor Castle for her weekly audience in April, after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a change to the regular in-person sessions for her and the PM. (Buckingham Palace via The Associated Press)
Still, the Queen has the right to be consulted, and can express her views to the British prime minister of the day and other government ministers, something she can do in her weekly audience with the PM (now occurring with Boris Johnson over the phone, courtesy of COVID-19).
“These discussions are strictly confidential,” said Prescott. “This means that it’s difficult to know much about the Queen’s views on politics, although one of her former private secretaries, Lord Charteris, suggested ‘that the Queen prefers a sort of consensus politics rather than a polarized one.'”
That’s not to say there hasn’t been great interest over the years in trying to suss out what the Queen thinks — right down to wondering if her choice of dress or hat might be a subtle signal.
Members of the Royal Family “definitely exist on a political spectrum themselves, but it’s not supposed to be that easy to figure out,” said John Fraser, author of The Secret of the Crown: Canada’s Affair with Royalty, and founding president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada. “You were never supposed to be able to find out how right-wing the Queen Mother was, for example.”
These days, there’s been speculation about the political stances of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who are living in California after stepping back from the upper echelons of the Royal Family. Much attention focused on comments they made recently about voting in a video released in connection with Time magazine’s list of 100 of the world’s most influential people.
Those comments, Prescott said, are in contrast to comments made by the Queen that have been seen by many in a political light.
“Her comments before the Scottish referendum ‘about using your vote wisely’ were widely interpreted as being against independence.
“Similarly, in 2019, the Queen made comments calling for ‘common ground’ and respecting those who hold a different point of view. This was widely interpreted as a coded comment on Brexit.”
David Cameron has said that while he was British prime minister, he asked Queen Elizabeth to help the pro-remain side in Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press)
It all reflects consensus politics, Presscot said. “On both occasions, it’s hard to believe that the Queen was acting entirely without government advice, but she was willing to make these carefully chosen comments.”
Harry and Meghan’s recent comments about voting “in and of themselves may seem inoffensive, and in isolation actually hard to disagree with,” Prescott said.
The problem, he said, is the context in which the comments were made. Looking at U.S. politics from the U.K., it appears polarized, “making any intervention fraught with difficulty.”
“Given the views of the Sussexes on a whole range of issues, it is not hard to see where the Duke and Duchess stand on the political divide.”
For Prince Harry in particular, Prescott said, “it does appear to be ‘meddling,’ as he remains a British citizen and is ineligible to vote in the upcoming [U.S.] election.”
Fraser isn’t so sure it matters much, particularly given Harry isn’t a working member of the Royal Family anymore.
“He’s not any longer an important figure in terms of the constitution, in terms of the actual work of the Royal Family. He’s out of it. He’s like the Hollywood personality now,” Fraser said.
“In terms of what they’re doing in the States … it’s interesting. I just don’t think it’s of any consequence, certainly of any consequence constitutionally.”
Whatever Harry may say, Fraser doesn’t expect we’ll see his elder brother, William, making similar comments, particularly given his position in direct line to the throne.
“He understands the role he has to play. The weight of non-political tedium is on his shoulders already,” said Fraser. “It’s not on Harry’s. Harry’s gung-ho to say what he thinks, but you won’t hear it from William.”
Taking a shot for the environment
Prince William, right, and naturalist David Attenborough discuss the Earthshot Prize at Kensington Palace in London. (Kensington Palace via The Associated Press)
When Prince William formally launched what has been billed as the biggest environmental prize ever this week, there was little in the way of criticism.
It was a far cry from how his father was received three or four decades ago when he was trying to rally attention for threats he saw to the natural world.
At the time, Prince Charles was roundly criticized. Sometimes he was mocked for speaking to plants. After he gave a talk about plastics and other waste, the heir to the throne recalled, he was “considered old-fashioned, out of touch and ‘anti-science’ for warning of such things.”
The contrast in reception reflects changing times and views on the environment, and also the longstanding interest royals have taken in the issue.
The Earthshot Prize will award 50 million pounds in a search for 50 solutions to the most serious environmental problems by the end of the decade.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, visit the Chiatibo glacier in the Hindu Kush mountain range on Oct. 16, 2019 in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhunkwa province, Pakistan. They spoke with an expert about how climate change is affecting glacial landscapes. (Neil Hall/Getty Images)
In an interview with the BBC, William said the launch of the prize marks the point at which he takes up the charge of environmental campaigning from Charles.
“I feel it’s my responsibility now,” he said.
William joined forces for the Earthshot Prize with broadcaster David Attenborough, who has a longstanding interest in the environment and involvement with the Royal Family on the issue.
“Royal philanthropy often addresses complex challenges that take generations to solve, and the decades of advocacy by members of the Royal Family for protection of the environment and endangered species follows this pattern,” said Carolyn Harris, a Toronto-based royal author and historian.
Do you like spiders?
Attenborough’s involvement with the Royal Family on environmental issues was also front and centre in a recent video that offered a rare glimpse — and a rare chance to hear the voices — of the three children of Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.
William and Kate, who have been vigilant in protecting the privacy of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, posted the video that gave the youngsters a chance to put questions to the 94-year-old environmentalist.
George, 7, wondered what animal might become extinct next. Charlotte, 5, likes spiders and wondered if Attenborough does, too. Louis had a relatively simple question about Attenborough’s favourite animal — or “amimal,” as the two-year-old put it. (Turns out Attenborough is partial to monkeys, and would pick a puppy over a kitten.)
Sir David Attenborough, we’ve got some questions for you…????????️???? <a href=”https://t.co/MTQ68WnOrt”>pic.twitter.com/MTQ68WnOrt</a>
Camilla Tominey, associate editor of the Telegraph newspaper and a longtime royal correspondent, wrote that “the no-frills footage paints a picture of ‘normality,’ reflecting William and Kate’s efforts to give their children as grounded an upbringing as possible.”
She also said the video follows a steady stream of photographs of the children during the pandemic lockdown, “which have helped to cement their place as the House of Windsor’s ‘First Family.'”
Harris, the royal historian, also saw a reflection in the video of current times, and how physical distancing and avoidance of large gatherings have become the norm for everyone.
“The conversation with David Attenborough was an opportunity for the Cambridge children to be visible to the public during a year when the usual royal events such as Trooping the Colour or royal weddings do not feature the extended Royal Family coming together.”
The video, it seems, has found its fans: it’s been viewed 2.6 million times.
Royals in Canada
Queen Elizabeth delivers a speech after a state dinner at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Oct. 16, 1977. (The Canadian Press)
Even though Queen Elizabeth may be scrupulous about keeping her political views to herself, there’s no doubt politics was front of mind for those organizing her trip to Canada during her Silver Jubilee year.
Elizabeth, who was marking 25 years on the throne, and Prince Philip landed in Ottawa for a six-day visit on Oct. 14, 1977. They arrived in a country caught up in a crisis of national unity and the spectre of Quebec separatism.
Watch: The Queen attends a state dinner in Ottawa:
In 1977, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau offered some remarks at a state dinner, before the Queen made formal remarks to the guests at the dinner. 3:35
In addition to reading the speech from the throne, Elizabeth delivered a speech at a state dinner that had been drafted by Canadian officials.
“In a world divided by differences of colour, race, language, religion and ideology, the Canadian experience stands out as a message of hope,” she concluded in the speech that was broadcast on television across the country. “My prayer is that you will continue to offer this message to mankind.”
Our friends in CBC Archives have taken a closer look at the serious and less serious moments of that 1977 visit, including how the prime minister of the day, Pierre Trudeau, was pleased to be seen publicly with the Queen at a football game “because that is one of the rare occasions when there are no hecklers in the crowd.”
Royally quotable
“There are many absolutely incredible women working from the grassroots up, whose life experiences, as well as their capabilities, more than qualify them for a voice at the table. Many are unheard heroines that keep peace within and across communities.”
— Sophie, Countess of Wessex, during a virtual conference this week on the role women can play in preventing and resolving conflicts, peace negotiations and peace-building in the Arab world.
Royal reads
A painting of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an enslaved girl from what is now the west African country of Benin who was also a goddaughter of Queen Victoria, has been unveiled as part of a project to highlight Black figures who have been overlooked. [The Guardian]
The Daily Mail has been publishing excerpts from another much-anticipated book focused on a royal subject. Historian Robert Lacey looks at the relationship between Harry and William in Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult. In one excerpt from the book that will be published next week, Lacey writes that the roots of a rift between them started long before Meghan came on the scene.
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says it’s “disgraceful and demeaning” that a Halifax-area school would request that service members not wear military uniforms to its Remembrance Day ceremony.
Houston’s comments were part of a chorus of criticism levelled at the school — Sackville Heights Elementary — whose administration decided to back away from the plan after the outcry.
A November newsletter from the school in Middle Sackville, N.S., invited Armed Forces members to attend its ceremony but asked that all attendees arrive in civilian attire to “maintain a welcoming environment for all.”
Houston, who is currently running for re-election, accused the school’s leaders of “disgracing themselves while demeaning the people who protect our country” in a post on the social media platform X Thursday night.
“If the people behind this decision had a shred of the courage that our veterans have, this cowardly and insulting idea would have been rejected immediately,” Houston’s post read. There were also several calls for resignations within the school’s administration attached to Houston’s post.
In an email to families Thursday night, the school’s principal, Rachael Webster, apologized and welcomed military family members to attend “in the attire that makes them most comfortable.”
“I recognize this request has caused harm and I am deeply sorry,” Webster’s email read, adding later that the school has the “utmost respect for what the uniform represents.”
Webster said the initial request was out of concern for some students who come from countries experiencing conflict and who she said expressed discomfort with images of war, including military uniforms.
Her email said any students who have concerns about seeing Armed Forces members in uniform can be accommodated in a way that makes them feel safe, but she provided no further details in the message.
Webster did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At a news conference Friday, Houston said he’s glad the initial request was reversed but said he is still concerned.
“I can’t actually fathom how a decision like that was made,” Houston told reporters Friday, adding that he grew up moving between military bases around the country while his father was in the Armed Forces.
“My story of growing up in a military family is not unique in our province. The tradition of service is something so many of us share,” he said.
“Saying ‘lest we forget’ is a solemn promise to the fallen. It’s our commitment to those that continue to serve and our commitment that we will pass on our respects to the next generation.”
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill also said he’s happy with the school’s decision to allow uniformed Armed Forces members to attend the ceremony, but he said he didn’t think it was fair to question the intentions of those behind the original decision.
“We need to have them (uniforms) on display at Remembrance Day,” he said. “Not only are we celebrating (veterans) … we’re also commemorating our dead who gave the greatest sacrifice for our country and for the freedoms we have.”
NDP Leader Claudia Chender said that while Remembrance Day is an important occasion to honour veterans and current service members’ sacrifices, she said she hopes Houston wasn’t taking advantage of the decision to “play politics with this solemn occasion for his own political gain.”
“I hope Tim Houston reached out to the principal of the school before making a public statement,” she said in a statement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
REGINA – Saskatchewan Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck says she wants to prove to residents her party is the government in waiting as she heads into the incoming legislative session.
Beck held her first caucus meeting with 27 members, nearly double than what she had before the Oct. 28 election but short of the 31 required to form a majority in the 61-seat legislature.
She says her priorities will be health care and cost-of-living issues.
Beck says people need affordability help right now and will press Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party government to cut the gas tax and the provincial sales tax on children’s clothing and some grocery items.
Beck’s NDP is Saskatchewan’s largest Opposition in nearly two decades after sweeping Regina and winning all but one seat in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Party won 34 seats, retaining its hold on all of the rural ridings and smaller cities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
HALIFAX – Nova Scotia‘s growing population was the subject of debate on Day 12 of the provincial election campaign, with Liberal Leader Zach Churchill arguing immigration levels must be reduced until the province can provide enough housing and health-care services.
Churchill said Thursday a plan by the incumbent Progressive Conservatives to double the province’s population to two million people by the year 2060 is unrealistic and unsustainable.
“That’s a big leap and it’s making life harder for people who live here, (including ) young people looking for a place to live and seniors looking to downsize,” he told a news conference at his campaign headquarters in Halifax.
Anticipating that his call for less immigration might provoke protests from the immigrant community, Churchill was careful to note that he is among the third generation of a family that moved to Nova Scotia from Lebanon.
“I know the value of immigration, the importance of it to our province. We have been built on the backs of an immigrant population. But we just need to do it in a responsible way.”
The Liberal leader said Tim Houston’s Tories, who are seeking a second term in office, have made a mistake by exceeding immigration targets set by the province’s Department of Labour and Immigration. Churchill said a Liberal government would abide by the department’s targets.
In the most recent fiscal year, the government welcomed almost 12,000 immigrants through its nominee program, exceeding the department’s limit by more than 4,000, he said. The numbers aren’t huge, but the increase won’t help ease the province’s shortages in housing and doctors, and the increased strain on its infrastructure, including roads, schools and cellphone networks, Churchill said.
“(The Immigration Department) has done the hard work on this,” he said. “They know where the labour gaps are, and they know what growth is sustainable.”
In response, Houston said his commitment to double the population was a “stretch goal.” And he said the province had long struggled with a declining population before that trend was recently reversed.
“The only immigration that can come into this province at this time is if they are a skilled trade worker or a health-care worker,” Houston said. “The population has grown by two per cent a year, actually quite similar growth to what we experienced under the Liberal government before us.”
Still, Houston said he’s heard Nova Scotians’ concerns about population growth, and he then pivoted to criticize Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for trying to send 6,000 asylum seekers to Nova Scotia, an assertion the federal government has denied.
Churchill said Houston’s claim about asylum seekers was shameful.
“It’s smoke and mirrors,” the Liberal leader said. “He is overshooting his own department’s numbers for sustainable population growth and yet he is trying to blame this on asylum seekers … who aren’t even here.”
In September, federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller said there is no plan to send any asylum seekers to the province without compensation or the consent of the premier. He said the 6,000 number was an “aspirational” figure based on models that reflect each province’s population.
In Halifax, NDP Leader Claudia Chender said it’s clear Nova Scotia needs more doctors, nurses and skilled trades people.
“Immigration has been and always will be a part of the Nova Scotia story, but we need to build as we grow,” Chender said. “This is why we have been pushing the Houston government to build more affordable housing.”
Chender was in a Halifax cafe on Thursday when she promised her party would remove the province’s portion of the harmonized sales tax from all grocery, cellphone and internet bills if elected to govern on Nov. 26. The tax would also be removed from the sale and installation of heat pumps.
“Our focus is on helping people to afford their lives,” Chender told reporters. “We know there are certain things that you can’t live without: food, internet and a phone …. So we know this will have the single biggest impact.”
The party estimates the measure would save the average Nova Scotia family about $1,300 a year.
“That’s a lot more than a one or two per cent HST cut,” Chender said, referring to the Progressive Conservative pledge to reduce the tax by one percentage point and the Liberal promise to trim it by two percentage points.
Elsewhere on the campaign trail, Houston announced that a Progressive Conservative government would make parking free at all Nova Scotia hospitals and health-care centres. The promise was also made by the Liberals in their election platform released Monday.
“Free parking may not seem like a big deal to some, but … the parking, especially for people working at the facilities, can add up to hundreds of dollars,” the premier told a news conference at his campaign headquarters in Halifax.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024.
